COLOMBO ; Sri Lanka Police is set to implement a comprehensive special traffic management plan as large crowds are expected to gather in the Colombo city for the 2026 Vesak festival, with multiple zones, thorana displays, and lantern exhibitions drawing significant public participation.
The plan, issued by the Police Media Division, aims to manage the influx of vehicles and pedestrians as Vesak celebrations take place across several key locations in the capital from May 29 through early June.
Authorities anticipate a heavy concentration of visitors in Colombo Fort, Pettah, Kompannaveediya, Maradana, Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, Cinnamon Gardens, Dematagoda, and Modara police areas, where major Vesak zones and decorative displays have been organized.
To ensure smooth movement and public safety, police will introduce temporary road diversions, limited one-way traffic systems, and restricted access points in and around these areas. Specific routes will be designated for vehicles entering and exiting the city, with certain roads accommodating one-directional traffic only during peak hours.
Special vehicle parking zones have been identified across Colombo Central, South, North, and within the city limits to accommodate the anticipated surge in traffic.
Police emphasized that while normal traffic flow will be maintained as much as possible, these special measures will be activated depending on congestion levels and crowd movement. Motorists have been strongly advised to use alternative routes whenever possible and to follow directions issued by traffic officers on duty. News first
